In this episode of Am I Write?, Guest Marah Rutherford takes listeners inside her creative process and shares how travel, culture, and everyday life influence her fantasy worlds. She explains how small “story kernels” grow into full novels, and what helps her create vivid settings and believable characters.

She also reflects on building a sustainable creative life while juggling family, deadlines, & constant change, and talks honestly about burnout, productivity, and learning to focus on what she can control. Find balance and stay grounded in this unpredictable industry!

Resources

Mara’s Website: https://www.mararutherford.com

Mara’s Books: https://www.mararutherford.com/all

The Night and the Moths by Rachel Gillig: https://a.co/d/0gsWdAMH

Bear our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/1145782127

James by Percival Everett: https://a.co/d/03YSncIY

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry: https://a.co/d/0ab1aK3l

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mararutherfordwrites/

About Mara

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. Her favorite days involve books, tea, and Mishka (a small red muppet often mistaken for a dog). She is the author of YA fantasy novels including the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, Luminous, The Poison Season, and A Multitude of Dreams (Inkyard Press). Her next book, A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC, releases Fall ‘25 from Wednesday Books.

57. Beating on the Publishing Door + Plot, Characters, and Finding Your Voice | Mara Rutherford